Richard J. Wurst

   OTTOVILLE - Richard J. Wurst, 89 of Ottoville passed away at 2:32 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Lima Memorial Hospital's inpatient hospice care after a short battle with cancer.

   He was born June 22, 1928 in Ottoville to Frank and Hilda (Scharf) Wurst, who preceded him in death.  On June 22, 1953, he married Deloris J. Hall, who preceded him in death on December 4, 2006. 

   Richard is survived by two daughters, Jaylene Ryan and Nanette Weaver (Tom Sarno) both of Lima; four grandchildren, Stephanie Weaver of Columbus, Alyssa Weaver (Robb Kregloh) of Indianapolis, Tara (Brian) Moloney of Ft. Wayne, and Adam (Meghan) Ryan of Columbus; one step-granddaughter, Jessica (Matt) Walker of Gibsonia, PA; two great-grandsons, Declan and Finn Moloney; three step great-grandchildren, Aaron, Kassidy, and David Walker; and three brothers, Leo (Phyllis) Wurst of Ottoville, Larry Wurst of Dayton, and Rodney (Lois) Wurst of McCormick, SC.

   He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Wurst on October 6, 2007; one brother, Arthur (Brenda) Wurst; and his sister-in-law, Gloria Wurst.

   Richard was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked at the Ottoville Hatchery and Feed Mill for his father, and was also a co-owner of Millie's Café with his brothers. He retired from Fruehauf Trailer Corp and the Village of Ottoville, where he served as the Village Clerk for twelve years, and as Secretary of the Zoning Board. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville and its Holy Name Society. He was a life member of the VFW Post 3740 in Ottoville, and a member of the American Legion Post 715 in Ft. Jennings. He was also a member of the Ottoville Lions Club for 60 years, serving as President for one year and as Secretary for 20 years. He also served as Quartermaster of the VFW post for over 19 years.

   Richard enjoyed boating and camping with his family at Marble Lake and Indian Lake. He will be forever remembered by all his grandchildren as "Captain Dick".

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 4, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with the Very Reverend Jerome Schetter officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville where there will be military rites by the Ottoville VFW and Ft. Jennings American Legion. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.

   Memorials may be made to Putnam County Home Health and Hospice.

   Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.